Am I a candidate for implants?

Most people are candidates for dental implants. You might think you're not a candidate for implants if you've worn dentures for years and experienced some bone loss, but bone grafting can build up the bone to support implants.

Do you need bone grafting with implants?

In areas where teeth are missing, the jawbone progressively shrinks over time, so bone grafting might be needed if you don't have enough bone volume to anchor one or more implants.

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#1 Trusted Dental Implants Experts

Full Mouth Dental Implants

The dental implants and implant dentures we design and surgically place at Allstar Implants Plus give you a secure new smile, so you can eat the foods you love and feel confident again.

What are the best options for full-mouth implants?

When you’re considering implants for a full arch of replacement teeth it helps to think in terms of the type of attachments used with your dental implant.

The attachment (or abutment) is the part that connects your full arch of replacement teeth to the dental implants that are surgically placed in your jawbone.

There are two (2) types of dental implant abutments for a full arch of replacement teeth:

screw in
snap in

The type of full arch dental implants and abutments you choose depends on your lifestyle and your budget. Let's dive in and see what's best for you!

What are Screw-in 'All-on-4' Dental Implants?

Like you might expect from the description, with a screw-in abutment, your full arch of replacement teeth attaches to the dental implants in your jaw bone via a screw mechanism. Only the dentist can unscrew, or remove, your replacement teeth—and of course, screw them back in place.

This aspect can be very appealing, since it makes you feel as though you have new ‘natural’ teeth, as you’re not able to remove your full arch of replacement teeth. Because of this, however, you’ll want to be especially diligent in seeing the dentist regularly for your periodic cleanings, so that your replacement teeth can be removed, and the areas around your dental implants cleaned.

With this option—which is often referred to as ‘All-on-4’ or ‘permanent full mouth implants’— a minimum of 4 dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw.

What are Snap-in 'All-on-X' Dental Implants?

With a snap-in abutment, a full arch of replacement teeth attaches to the dental implants in your jaw bone via a snap mechanism, that securely anchors your new teeth in place. This option is often called ‘All on X’ dental implants or ‘All-on-6’ —and sometimes even called ‘All-on-4’ dental implants. Confusing, right?

The important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have 4—or more—dental implants per arch surgically placed to support your new teeth.

In addition to being less costly than the screw-in dental implants, many people choose the snap-in option because you can independently remove your full arch of teeth.

Once unsnapped, you can clean the area around your dental implants at home (similar to brushing your natural teeth) to help keep bacteria at bay, and then snap your new teeth securely back into place again.

What to look for when choosing an implant dentist?

When thinking about dental implants for your smile, primary factors to consider in your selection of an implant dentistry expert include:

Extensive post-graduate education in implant dentistry

Comprehensive and specialty programs in implant dentistry are not offered by dental schools. As a result, dentists who've completed their general or specialty education in dental schools, must seek out additional post-graduate (after dental school) education programs in implant dentistry.

Look for a dentist who's had extensive post-graduate training in dental implant procedures.

Extensive hands-on experience in implant dentistry

Just as important as the completion of comprehensive education programs in dental implant procedures, is developing the related hands-on surgical and restorative skills necessary for dental implant treatments.

For example, an implant dentist with extensive hands-on experience should be able to:

accurately identify bone quality
select the optimal sizing and construct of implant to be placed
surgically place each dental implant at optimal angle and location
perform bone grafting as needed
design and restore replacement teeth connected to dental implants

A dentist with considerable hand-on experience in dental implant procedures can help ensure the long-term success of your replacement teeth.

Is implant dentistry considered a dental specialty?

No, it is not. The ADA (American Dental Association) does not recognize implant dentistry, also referred to as 'dental implantology', as a dental specialty.

Any dentist can market themselves as a 'dental implant specialist'. What this means, it's that it's all the more essential that you carefully look at the qualifications of the dentist you choose.

Dental implant procedures not only involve the surgical placement of implants in your jawbone, but also typically represent a significant financial investment. So it's worth it to you to take time to find out detailed information about the post-graduate education and experience level of the dentist.

Dentistry Today magazine: Overdenture article.

Dental Implants Expertise - Dr. Sam Simos

At Allstar Implants Plus, you don't have to see multiple doctors or travel to different offices. Dr. Sam Simos, recognized authority in cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry, cares for your entire treatment in the comfort of our office from start to finish.

Leader in Continuing Education (Dentistry Today): 2010–2025
Published in: Dentistry Today, Inside Dentistry, Dental Economics, Dental Products Review, Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry
Cited by: IJLSBPR (2024), IJRHAS (2024), SSRG-IJMS (2020), IJD (2022), IJPRD (2014)

Dr. Sam Simos: 20+ years teaching other dentists

Dr. Sam Simos is highly experienced and knowledgeable in dental implant surgery, cosmetic dentistry and restorative materials and techniques.

While a clinical instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Simos has taught hundreds of dentists on topics including cosmetic dentistry, occlusion (the way your teeth come together), full arch and full mouth restoration.

As a KOL (Key Opinion Leader) in dentistry, Dr. Simos shares his clinical expertise in the R&D of dental materials and technologies with leading global dental manufacturers.

Dr. Simos is a widely published author on the use of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and digital and 3D printing in dentistry. In consecutive years from 2010 to present, Dr. Simos has been recognized as one of dentistry's top post-graduate educators in the continuing education of dentists.

Counted amount Dr. Simos' clients are celebrities, Grammy Award winners, and people from near and far who seek out his experience for their smile.

This high level of expertise allows Dr. Simos to design, surgically place and accurately position your dental implants to achieve optimal function and cosmetic results for your new replacement teeth.

What is an implant bridge?

An implant bridge spans an area of missing teeth, creating a ‘bridge’ of new replacement teeth that are supported by two or more implants, depending on the number of missing teeth in the area.

The implant surgeon will surgically place the optimal number of dental implants into your jawbone. Your new implant bridge will be attached to the dental implants, and will be fixed—in other words, it’s not removable, like a partial denture.

Is one dental implant needed for each missing tooth with an implant bridge?

No, one dental implant per missing tooth isn't needed for an implant bridge. At least 2 dental implants are needed to support an implant bridge. The area of missing teeth to be spanned, and the quality of bone in this area, will determine the optimal number of implants needed to secure your implant bridge.

Single tooth dental implant Allstar Implants Plus

Dental Implant - Single Tooth

If you have an area with one missing tooth, then a single tooth dental implant is a great option for a replacement tooth. Similar to an implant bridge, your replacement tooth will be fixed.

At Allstar Implants Plus, we’ll surgically place the dental implant in your jawbone, custom design, and attach your new replacement tooth, ensuring that its shape, proportions and color shading blends beautifully into your smile.

3D CBCT Imaging: What It Is and Why You Need It

Why is 3D CBCT Imaging used for dental implants?

A three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) imaging is the only way to see the cross-sectional and three-dimensional view of your jawbone and any existing teeth.

Typical digital x-rays are two-dimensional, or flat, black and white images, even if the x-ray scan is taken from one side of your jaw around your head to the other side.

While a typical x-ray might provide some initial clues about your bone, a 3D CBCT provides for essential measurements:

Jawbone breadth

The breadth, or width, of the jawbone, measured from buccal (cheek) side to lingual (tongue) side.

Jawbone depth

The depth, or length, of the jawbone, measured from top to bottom for each arch.

Jawbone density

The density, or thickness of the jawbone. For example, if the bone is solid like oak wood, or more porous, like styrofoam.

What you'll see with 3D CBCT Imaging

The 3D CBCT imaging lets us determine:

the quality of your bone,
the need for additional bone grafting,
where dental implants can be optimally placed in your jaw bone,

so as to avoid disruption to critical nerve and sinus areas.

An experienced implant surgeon will not start your dental implant treatment without a 3D CBCT imaging scan. It’s only with the 3D CBCT scan that a full and accurate assessment can be made when placing dental implants.

3D CBCT Imaging used for surgical guide

The 3D CBCT imaging can also be used to fabricate a surgical guide for the dental implants to be placed in the jawbone.

At Allstar Implants Plus, Dr. Sam Simos uses your 3D CBCT scan and 3D intra-oral scanning to create a custom surgical guide. The surgical guide is 3D printed right in our office, based on the virtual placement of your implants in the 3D CBCT scan.

On the day of your implant surgery, your implant surgeon, Dr. Sam Simos, will use this surgical guide to ensure that the placement of your implants is precise, predictable, and comfortable for you.

FAQs : What You Want To Know About Dental Implants

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants have been used for over 40 years to replace missing teeth, and are safe with a well-documented overall success rate.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small post made of titanium, a biocompatible material that our bodies won't reject, that is placed in your jawbone.

As it bonds with the bone, it serves as a replacement for the root portion of the missing teeth, providing strength and stability for your new restorations (teeth). Dental implants can support a single tooth, a dental bridge (for 1 or more missing teeth), or a full arch of teeth, from one side to the other.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

How do you know if you're a candidate for dental implants?

Is a 3D CBCT needed before getting implants?

Yes. Typical digital x-rays are two-dimensional (flat) black and white images, even if the x-ray scan is taken from one side of your jaw around your head to the other side. While a typical x-ray might provide some initial clues about your bone, it doesn’t allow us to determine the breadth (width), depth (length), or density (thickness) of your jawbone areas with accuracy.

A three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT) scan of your jaw bone areas is the only way to see the cross-sectional and three-dimensional view of your jaw and any existing teeth. With the 3D CBCT, your implant surgeon will assess the quality of your bone, the need for additional bone grafting, and where the dental implant(s) can be optimally placed in your jaw bone, without disruption to critical nerve and sinus areas.

As an added benefit, from your 3D CBCT scan, we will create a custom surgical guide based on the virtual placement of your implants in the 3D CBCT scan we take, so that the surgical placement of your implants is precise, predictable, and comfortable for you.

Do you need bone grafting with dental implants?

What are advantages of dental implants?

A primary advantage of dental implants is that their placement stimulates the jaw bone, similar to the root structure of your natural teeth, which prevents bone deterioration (or shrinkage) that occurs when teeth are missing. By preserving your jaw bone, dental implants help maintain your facial support, and prevent sagging that makes you look older prematurely.

Dental implants also look and feel like natural teeth. Since a dental implant becomes anchored securely as it integrates into your jaw bone (referred to as osseointegration), teeth secured by implants function far better than traditional removable full or partial dentures, allowing you to smile, bite and chew with confidence and ease.

How long does it take for dental implants to heal?

4 More Reasons People Choose Dr. Sam S. Simos for Dental Implants

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World class smile expertise

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Feel comfortable and at ease

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Affordable cost & no surprises

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